Three Prince Frederick Residents Charged After Animal Control Seizes About 95 Animals From Property

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Three Prince Frederick residents have been charged by summons after Calvert County Animal Control reported seizing approximately 95 animals from a property where officers documented deceased birds, thin livestock, sick domestic animals, reptiles without proper heat or water and multiple animals allegedly living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions.

Makayla Leann Brehm, 20, Filo Joseph Blake, 43, and Katie Renee Blake, 45, all of Prince Frederick, were charged in connection with the May 7, 2026, investigation.

According to charging documents filed in District Court for Calvert County, the case began after animal control responded May 6 to the area of Arthur King Road for a report of Labrador-type dogs running at large. While in the area, Animal Control Officer Bell-Bussler spoke with Brehm and asked about several animals on the property, including dogs and a goose known to animal control as Honky Tonk.

Brehm allowed the officer inside a fenced area of the property, where animal control reported seeing numerous animals of different species. Charging documents state the officer observed multiple deceased ducks near the front of the residence, live ducks kept in enclosed coop-like structures without ventilation, light, water or uncontaminated food, and several reptiles and invertebrates kept in dirty terrariums that allegedly lacked proper substrate, water, heat fixtures or lighting.

Inside the home, the officer reported that dogs showed signs of hair loss and that the residence smelled of ammonia. Outside, animal control documented an orange-and-white cat that appeared thin with severe hair loss, a goose kept in a small wire structure with no water, and goats, sheep and a pig kept in an enclosure with dirty water, no hay and a dirty shelter. Several goats were described as pregnant, and the officer reported that the goats, sheep and pig had overgrown hooves.

The following day, authorities returned to the property to execute a search warrant signed by Judge Chandlee, according to charging documents.

During the search, animal control reported seeing large koi-type fish floating in a discolored pond near the front of the property, with some bodies in various stages of decay while living fish fed on them. Officers also documented piles of burned material, bones, feathers, carcasses and animal remains in different areas of the property.

Because of the number of animals, animal control labeled enclosures before removing animals for documentation. Inside the home, officers reported finding reptiles, snakes, lizards, tarantulas, a chameleon, geckos and other animals kept without proper heat, light, water, humidity, space or clean conditions. Several were later described by a veterinarian as thin, dehydrated, emaciated or suffering from stuck shed.

In one enclosure, animal control reported finding three very young kittens in a soiled baby bassinet with no heat support, no adult cat nearby and no kitten formula available. The kittens were described as thin, dehydrated and covered in dried feces.

Outside, animal control reported finding ducks, goslings, chickens, turkeys, roosters, hens, goats, sheep, a pig and a goose in multiple enclosures with contaminated water, feces-covered feathers, mites, feather loss, unsafe fencing, rusted nails, debris and deceased birds or animal remains nearby.

One enclosure contained a hutch-like structure where animal control reported finding numerous deceased Silky-type chickens huddled inside. Charging documents state the enclosure had no food or water apparatus other than a small empty metal bowl. When asked about the enclosure, Filo Blake allegedly said he did not remember having animals inside it.

Animal control also examined several domestic animals, including a cat named Baxter, a Labrador-mix dog named Hershey, a Border Collie-type dog named Shadow and a Labrador-mix dog named Bubba.

Baxter was described as thin, with severe hair loss and discharge from his eyes. Dr. Hathaway found Baxter to be lean, with a dirty haircoat, hair loss on his ears, back and tail, and debris in his ears.

Hershey appeared in good health, but charging documents state Katie Blake allegedly raised her hand toward the dog and said she would punch him in the nose when the dog became excited and pulled for attention.

Shadow was described as having thinning and missing hair in multiple areas. Bubba was carried from the home and appeared unable to put weight on his back right leg. Filo Blake allegedly told animal control that Shadow and Bubba had been treated at Chesapeake Animal Clinic, but the clinic later advised that Shadow had not been treated for his skin condition and Bubba had not been treated for the hip issue, according to charging documents.

Authorities reported that approximately 95 animals were seized and removed from the care, custody and control of Brehm, Filo Blake and Katie Blake.

According to charging documents, Filo Blake later advised animal control that he was the sole owner and caretaker of the ducks, geese, goats and sheep. He also allegedly said he owned and cared for most of the exotic animals, while Brehm owned a ball python and a larger bearded dragon, though he helped care for them. Filo Blake further advised that he helped care for animals owned by Katie Blake and that she helped care for his outside animals.

Brehm was charged with 12 misdemeanor counts, including three counts of animal cruelty and nine counts of animal cruelty/failure to provide. Her charges involve animals listed in court records as a ball python, a bearded dragon, kittens and cats.

Filo Blake was charged with 46 misdemeanor counts involving multiple animals, including reptiles, snakes, spiders, kittens, cats, dogs, ducks, geese, goats, sheep and chickens.

Katie Blake was charged with 44 misdemeanor counts involving ducks, goslings, chickens, roosters, hens, geese, goats, a pig, and the cat and dog identified in court documents as Baxter and Shadow.

Charging documents show summonses were issued May 14. Court records provided for Brehm list a preliminary inquiry for June 29, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

The animal cruelty and failure-to-provide charges listed in the charging documents each carry up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 per count.

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